How to Stop Moss From Growing in Sidewalk and Path Cracks

Moss can thrive in just about any environment that is moist enough. Cracks, gaps and seams in sidewalks and brick paths are perfect for moss because those tight crevices can hold on to moisture for a long time, even in hot, sunny weather. If you have a moss problem in your brick or concrete paths, just try these simple steps to remove the moss that you can see, kill the moss that is growing just beneath the surface and discourage new generations from sprouting up.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scraping tool or putty knife
• Plastic cup
• Bleach
• Water
• Spoon

1. Use a metal or plastic scraper to scrape up the above-ground moss that already exists. If you can use your tool to reach into and in between cracks and seams to pull out the moss roots, that's even better. Dump the bits of dug-up moss into the garbage, not into a compost pile.

2. Create a mixture of equal parts tap water and household bleach in a large plastic cup. Stir the liquids together well with a spoon.

3. Slowly pour the bleach mixture over the treated areas, allowing it to absorb down into the cracks and crevices. If necessary, mix another small batch of the bleach mixture to treat all of the moss-prone areas.

4. Monitor the area closely for the next few weeks, applying additional coats of diluted bleach if you see the beginnings of any new moss spores.

Tips & Warnings

• Moss can grow quickly under adequately moist conditions, so consider pouring the bleach mixture over moss-prone areas during rainy months as a preventative measure.
• Bleach can be deadly if ingested, so wash all dishes used in this tactic immediately and store unused bleach out of the reach of pets and children.